IREA's energy audit program is available to residential consumers.  Audits are provided at no cost to consumers.  When a consumer requests an energy audit, heat loss of the home and electrical appliance efficiency will be analyzed.

Walk Through

To determine the heat loss of the home, assessments of the walls, windows, floors, ceiling, doors and skylights may be taken.  A visual inspection of the home allows the auditor to assess the air infiltration rate of the home according to a predetermined checklist.  Amounts of insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floor are noted along with the U-value of the windows.  Sizes of the heating unit(s) are recorded and the general condition of the system and its components are noted.  The Association also uses thermal imaging equipment to identify areas of energy loss.

Electrical appliances are noted and visually inspected for efficiency of operation.  Additional electrical devices (such as hot tubs, swimming pools, roof de-icers, livestock maintenance devices, etc.) are also inspected for efficiency and noted.  Lighting usage habits are discussed with the homeowner and an assessment is made for reduction of lighting use with energy efficient lighting implementation.  In addition, the energy audit recommendation form provides a checklist of the appliances utilized in the home along with a monthly kWh usage for each electrical device.  This allows the homeowner to understand what percentages each appliance consumes.

Energy Saving Assessments

Once the calculations are complete, energy savings can be calculated and given to the homeowner along with the list of energy conservation opportunities on a home energy audit recommendation sheet. The homeowner can then assess, with the auditor's assistance, priorities in their energy conservation plan based on simple payback for the recommendations implemented. 

Consumers who request a home energy audit are given a book entitled "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings" and Energy Utilization Bulletins that address the specific areas that are recommended to them. Additional energy saving information is available on this site.